Río Cocotis, Limón, Talamanca, Costa Rica

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

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Surrounding area

Costa Rica boasts an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, containing about 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface. Over 25% of the country’s land area is dedicated to national parks and reserves. This remarkable biodiversity is largely due to Costa Rica’s unique geographic location, situated between North and South America, which facilitates the movement of species.

The country is home to a wide array of wildlife, including 10,000 species of plants and flowers, 7.000 species of butterflies, 850 species of birds, 208 species of mammals, 220 species of reptiles, 160 species of amphibians, 34,000 species of insects, and 1,600 species of fish.
Costa Rica is among the 14 nations that have more than 23% of their territory under protection.’

Río Cocotis is a small river located in the southeastern part of Costa Rica, near the border to Panama. This little river offers a beautiful setting with its rocky bed and lush surroundings. The river is located in an area of ​​dense and wild-growing forest that stretches along the river on both sides. Many different kinds of animals live along the river and benefit from the conditions it provides.

The clear, gently flowing waters of Río Cocotis meander through a landscape that is rich in natural beauty. Many different fish live in the river, with a couple of aquarium types living here as well.

The Río Cocotis is a relatively quiet flowing river, and cannot at all be compared to the nearby Río Telire, which is far bigger and has a faster current.

Underwater landscape

The underwater landscape of Río Cocotis in many ways resembles the classic Central American river, and yet it doesn’t. On one hand, it is very similar to other rivers in the area, being dominated by round stones and driftwood. However, what sets this small river apart from many others in the region is the presence of plants growing within it, and in some places, there is even dense vegetation, especially during periods when the banks are flooded.

The relatively small size of the river and its limited current make it an ideal habitat for various small fish. I have not been able to identify all the species in the associated videos but have identified a number of them.

Beneath the surface, there are areas with numerous stones piled up, covered in a thick layer of algae. It is often difficult to see the bottom in some parts of the river. In some areas of the river you can also find vulcanic stones, that originates from some of the volcanoes located some distance from there.

Along the banks, there are flooded areas with various species of reeds that resemble underwater grass.

Fishes:

• Poecilia gillii (Poeciliidae)
• Amatitlania myrnae (Cichlidae)
• Cribroheros bussingi (Cichlidae)
• Amatitlania kanna (Cichlidae)

Plants:

• Utricularia foliosa (Lentibulariaceae)
• Najas arguta (Hydrocharitaceae)
• Cyperus articulatus (Cyperaceae)

Threats to ecology

Although Costa Rica is among the countries in the world with the strictest nature protection, there are still several threats to this area. Among the biggest threats are the establishment and operation of banana plantations. Both deforestation associated with the establishment of plantations and their general operation pose a threat to nature.

Additionally, there are threats in the form of more general human activities, such as wastewater and tourism, which put pressure on the area as well.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Many -

Bibliography

• → Project Identication Form (PIF) entry – Full Sized Project – GEF - 7 - Towards the Transboundary Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) of the Sixaola River Basin shared by Costa Rica and Panama by UNDP
  
• → Editorial Universidad de Costa Rica, 1998 - Freshwater fishes of Costa Rica by William A. Bussing
  ISBN 9977-67-489-2
  
• → Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution · December 2012 - Biogeography of the Livebearing Fish Poecilia gillii in Costa Rica: Are Phylogeographic Breaks Congruent with Fish Community Boundaries? by Jared Benjamin Lee
  
• → Justin C. Bagley - Understanding the Diversification of Central American Freshwater Fishes Using Comparative Phylogeography and Species Delimitation by Brigham Young University - Provo
  

Sitography

Comment by the expert